00:00 Today we are discussing Apprenticeship Programs

00:04 Finding qualified job candidates can be frustrating and timeconsuming, especially when you’re searching for skilled workers. But there’s a solution you may not have considered that is sure to bring highly trained employees into your company: An apprenticeship program.

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00:26 Welcome to HR Over Coffee, an educational series from the experts at HR360, covering HR topics like recruitment, hiring and firing, employee benefits, and more.

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00:37 Apprenticeships are growing in popularity across the United States. And with good reason, since these programs benefit workers and business owners alike.

00:47 Employees learn necessary skills while earning a paycheck…and employers develop a staff of qualified workers trained to their specifications.

00:56 This steady flow of talent can help you as an employer maintain productivity and workflow. For example, when a senior employee retires or leaves, a trained apprentice might be ready to fill that opening right away.

01:11 Apprenticeships are also useful in building loyalty among the employees you train, and in bolstering your reputation in the community. This is especially true if your program partners with a local school.

01:24 Apprenticeship programs are popular in many fields. Some are industries with a long history of apprenticeships, including skilled trades like electricians, plumbers, machinists, and builders.

01:37 A few of the other top areas for apprenticeships are nursing, pharmacy, and information technology. Alltold, the US Department of Labor estimates that more than a thousand occupations currently use apprenticeships.

01:50 Let’s look at some details of how apprenticeships work. Every program is unique, but they are governed by similar guidelines and regulations.

02:00 Apprenticeships usually last one to six years, time during which your apprentices will be working and learning. This means onthejob training combined with formal education such as high school or posthigh school classes, online courses, or inperson courses at an onsite classroom or training center.

02:21 In addition to employerrun programs, apprenticeships can also be sponsored by professional associations or employer and labor partnerships.

02:31 There are some important considerations to keep in mind when setting up apprenticeships.

02:37 First, be aware that apprenticeship programs must comply with state and federal laws. Some industries also have management or labor organizations that set standards and supervise apprenticeship training. Make sure you understand and comply with any laws, regulations, or standards that apply to your program before you put it in place.

03:01 Apprenticeships are covered by the FLSA, or Fair Labor Standards Act. This law requires that apprentices are at least 16 years old and sign an agreement to learn a skilled trade.

03:13 Apprentices can be paid less than minimum wage. Usually, they begin at a third to half of the rate for skilled professionals, and their wages increase as they learn.

03:24 Laws may require raises at given intervals, such after the first six months. In addition, states may have laws about the number of working hours allowed and the minimum wage required.

03:35 If an apprentice ever performs the work of a professional—say, during a worker shortage—the pay must usually be a professional rate.

03:44 A written agreement will clarify the terms of the apprenticeship for both you and the apprentice. This document should specify how the apprenticeship works; how long it will last; pay rates; and what work qualifies for pay.

03:59 The Department of Labor is a great resource for employers interested in apprenticeships. You can even formally register your apprenticeship program with the agency.

04:09 The Department’s Office of Apprenticeship will then work with you to design a training program and curriculum that fits your business. They will also help connect you with job seekers in your industry. You may even qualify for state tax benefits.

04:25 Learn more about the Department of Labor’s apprenticeship assistance by visiting www.doleta.gov.

04:34 You may not have considered apprenticeship as a staffing solution in the past. But it’s worth thinking about, especially if you’re having a tough time finding skilled professionals. Apprenticeship programs are a valuable investment in your employees, your industry, and the future of your company.

04:50 Thank you for joining us today. To learn more about comply with state and federal HR laws, visit us online at HR360.com, visit us online at HR360.com.